DOLCE VITA

The designing duo talks scents, suntans, and sex appeal

For 22 years, the Italian femme fatale—that elusive, black-clad bombshell with her winged-out eyeliner, her hot-blooded temperament, and her va-va-voom contours—has been equated with two words: Dolce and Gabbana. One part power babe (see this season's silvery robo-dresses, in some cases literally assembled with screws), one part Italian sex goddess (the abiding influence of Sophia Loren, Anna Magnani, and Monica Bellucci), the quintessential Dolce & Gabbana girl is, the designers say, "a strong and confident woman who rules the world." This formula applies to beauty, as well—hence the partners' latest fragrance (above, right), a warm, Mediterranean-inspired blend called, simply, The One.

More From ELLE

What does the D&G woman know that the rest of us are still trying to figure out?
Domenico Dolce: She's sexy and feminine...always! That means being womanly but strong. Sensual but never vulgar. Also, she must have the right accessories.

Such as?
Stefano Gabbana: A very high stiletto. No matter what you wear, a great heel with a sensual saunter turns any woman into a bombshell!

What was the first fragrance you ever really loved?
DD: Caron. A man I really liked wore it.
SG: My mom wore Fracas, so it brings back memories of my childhood. Madonna and Linda Evangelista also wear it, so it reminds me of them, too.

Those signature tans...are they product assisted?
DD: Always natural! Whenever there's time, we go to our houses in Stromboli and Portofino. But we do use Avéne sunscreen, SPF 20 or 30, and try not to sunbathe in the hottest hours.

For sun worshippers, you look incredibly youthful. Have you had any, uh, help?
DD: I haven't tried anything so far, and I don't know if I ever will, but I agree with plastic surgery if absolutely necessary and if it improves people's self-confidence. I don't like Botox, though. It makes people look like they're wearing rubber masks!
SG: I have not tried surgery so far. Maybe someday—why not?!

You throw legendary parties, but I hear your day-to-day lives are pretty tame.
SG: Discipline is fundamental for a healthy life. How can someone feel good without working out? I used to box—an amazing workout that requires strength but also concentration. Now I go to a Pilates center in Milan. It's a more sophisticated discipline but also more relaxing.

But what about those Sicilian carbs?
DD: We love the local specialties: swordfish rolls, pasta alla Norma with tomato, eggplant, and cheese. And Nero d'Avola, our favorite red wine.

Do you ever disagree?
SG: We agree on everything, or sometimes nothing at all!